The Slow Sunset – Helping Little Hearts Cope With Grief

A Gentle Children's Book About Anticipatory Grief and Parental Illness 

How do you help a child when someone they love is still here, but becoming increasingly unwell?

When a parent or loved one is living with a serious or terminal illness, children can begin experiencing grief long before a goodbye happens.

The Slow Sunset is a gentle, beautifully illustrated children's book created to help children understand anticipatory grief, serious illness and the difficult emotions that can come when someone they love is changing.

Meet Shane and His Dad

Shane remembers his dad as his "Noon-Day Sun" — loud, energetic and always there.

But Dad is becoming increasingly unwell.

Things that once felt normal begin to change. Shane notices the little differences — the "Small Grays" — and finds himself experiencing feelings he doesn't always understand.

Through Shane's story, children are gently shown that grief can begin while someone they love is still alive, and that feeling sad, angry, worried or confused doesn't mean they are doing anything wrong.

Helping Children Understand Anticipatory Grief

The Slow Sunset gently explores:

• Big feelings when a parent or loved one becomes seriously unwell

• Anticipatory grief and why sadness can begin before someone dies

• Anger, confusion, worry and sadness during periods of change

• The "Small Grays" — recognising the everyday things that may be changing or disappearing

• How serious illness can affect the whole family

• The importance of allowing children to ask questions and express difficult feelings

• Finding meaningful ways to stay connected through love, memories and shared moments

Includes The Slow Sunset Toolkit

The book includes Shane's Slow Sunset Toolkit, a collection of simple, practical activities designed to help children process their emotions and feel more secure and included.

Children are introduced to:

• The Sunset Jar — capturing small, meaningful moments and memories to hold onto

• Finding an age-appropriate role that can help a child feel involved without making them responsible for an adult's care

• The North Star — focusing on the things that remain constant, such as love and connection

• Understanding that it's okay to feel angry, sad, worried or confused

• Finding ways to make meaningful memories while someone they love is still present

• The reassurance that love can remain even while life is changing

Who Is This Book For?

The Slow Sunset may be particularly helpful for:

• Children experiencing anticipatory grief

• Children whose parent, grandparent or loved one is seriously or terminally ill

• Parents and carers supporting a child through a loved one's illness

• Families facing terminal illness or long-term health conditions

• Primary schools, teachers and pastoral teams

• School counsellors and child therapists

• Hospices and palliative care services supporting families

• Bereavement and family support organisations

A Story About Love During Change

The Slow Sunset offers comfort, understanding and reassurance for children navigating the uncertainty of loving someone who is becoming increasingly unwell.

It gives children permission to notice what is changing, talk about what frightens them and treasure the moments they still have together.

Because even when the light begins to fade, love is the one thing that never disappears.

Part of the Helping Little Hearts Cope With Grief series.

Children's Anticipatory Grief Book | Parental Illness | Terminal Illness | Family Bereavement Support